The End Of Capital Punishment

Question 1

What was capital punishment

Answer 1

-the death penalty
-arguments against death penalty big in 1950s but public opinion still sharply divided

Question 2

Why was the abolition of the death penalty considered + what happened

Answer 2

-anti-hanging campaign did receive boost from case of Ruth Ellis — mother murdered unfaithful lover 1955
-1957 tories reduced number offended carrying death penalty + lab backbencher Silverman continued campaign tirelessly for full abolition

Question 3

What was capital punishment completely abolished

Answer 3

-1955 hanging abolished for trial of 5 years + 1969 made permanent
-Jenkins refused authorities beating prisoners which ceased after 1957
-Jenkins brought ‘majority’ verdicts for England juries which helped convict many criminals
-instead of unanimity all 12 juries agree on verdict but reduced to at least 10